COVID-19 Cases Decline, MUI Issues Fatwa Allowing Congregants To Meet Friday Prayer Row, Tarawih, And Id

MUI/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa containing saf closing, requiring Friday prayers, and even Eid prayers. Following the loosening of regulations by the government as the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia decreased.

The fatwa related to worship in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is contained in the Bayan MUI Leadership Council regarding the MUI Fatwa Regarding the Implementation of Worship During the Pandemic No. Kep-28/DP-MUI/III/2022. The fatwa was signed by the Head of the MUI Fatwa Division Asrorun Niam Sholeh and the Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan on Thursday, March 10, 2022. There are three main points regarding the implementation of worship mentioned in this fatwa. The first requires that the rows be closed when praying in congregation. "The congregational prayer is carried out by returning to the original law ('azimah), namely by closing and straightening the rows (rows). " said the first point of the fatwa sent by Asrorun, Friday, March 11. The second point, Friday prayers are again required. In addition, tarawih prayers and Eid prayers in mosques are also permitted. "Muslims are required to hold Friday prayers and may organize worship activities that involve large numbers of people, such as congregational prayers five times/rawatib, Tarawih and Eid prayers in mosques or other public places, and attend public recitations and taklim assemblies while keeping yourself from being exposed to COVID-19," he explained.

Meanwhile, in the third point, it reads, Muslims are encouraged to get closer to Allah SWT by increasing worship. Moreover, the month of Ramadan will soon arrive so that Muslims are expected to prepare themselves physically and mentally." Muslims are encouraged to get closer to Allah SWT by increasing worship, repentance, istighfar, dhikr, increasing blessings, alms, and always praying to Allah. SWT to be given protection and safety from calamity and distress (daf'u al-bala'), especially from the COVID-19 outbreak," he said.

Welcoming the month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to prepare themselves physically and mentally by carrying out various religious symbols.

"Recitations and other religious activities that are usually carried out in the month of Ramadan such as Tarawih prayers, tadarus al-Quran, qiyamul lail, ifthar jamai can be carried out while maintaining discipline in maintaining health," reads the last point of the MUI Fatwa.